Looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of Chicago? The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile sits right on Michigan Avenue, offering a perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury. This iconic hotel features two multi-story buildings located steps away from Chicago’s best shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the Windy City.
The InterContinental Chicago isn’t just about location—it’s an experience. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the 32nd-floor Tower Lounge or unwind with a sauna or massage at the hotel’s luxurious spa. The property also hosts weekly Jazz Nights every Thursday from 5-7 PM, where visitors can sip cocktails from a pop-up bar while the lobby comes alive with music.
Key Takeaways
- The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers a prime downtown location on Michigan Avenue with easy access to shopping and attractions.
- The hotel features luxury amenities including a 32nd-floor Tower Lounge with city views and a full-service spa for relaxation.
- Guests can experience both historic architecture and modern conveniences while enjoying renowned on-site restaurants and regular entertainment options.
Hotel Overview
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile stands as a landmark luxury hotel in downtown Chicago. Located on North Michigan Avenue just north of the Chicago River, it offers guests prime access to the city’s best shopping and attractions.
The hotel uniquely occupies two multi-story buildings. The historic tower, also known as the “South Tower,” rises 471 feet with 42 stories, creating an impressive presence on the Chicago skyline.
Guests can choose from various accommodations, including the upscale Grand Tower Rooms that provide modern comfort with elegant styling. These rooms blend contemporary amenities with the hotel’s historic character.
The InterContinental Chicago features several notable amenities:
- A junior Olympic-size swimming pool
- Luxurious spa services
- Multiple dining options
- The 32nd-floor Tower Lounge with panoramic city views
As a premier historic event space, the hotel maintains many original architectural details from its 1929 construction. Its ballrooms and meeting rooms frequently host corporate gatherings and elegant weddings.
The building’s exterior showcases beautiful stonework and distinctive design elements that reflect its rich heritage. Inside, visitors find a blend of historic charm and modern luxury throughout the public spaces.
The hotel’s position on the Magnificent Mile places guests within walking distance of Chicago’s renowned cultural institutions, dining, and entertainment venues.
Accommodations
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers stylish guest rooms that blend historic charm with modern luxury. Each room provides guests with exceptional comfort and amenities designed for both business and leisure travelers.
Room Amenities
Each room at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile features modern conveniences that enhance the guest experience. All accommodations include individually controlled Air Conditioning systems that allow guests to set their perfect temperature regardless of Chicago’s sometimes extreme weather.
Rooms come equipped with Flat-Screen LCD TVs with Premium Cable Channels for entertainment. A dedicated work area with ergonomic seating provides a comfortable space for business travelers.
Additional standard amenities include:
- High-speed wireless internet
- In-room safe
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Mini refrigerator
- Iron and ironing board
The rooms offer various seating options, from comfortable armchairs to functional desk chairs, ensuring guests have comfortable places to relax or work.
Upscale Luxury Bedding
The InterContinental Chicago prioritizes guest comfort with premium bedding packages in all room categories. Each bed features triple-sheeted, high thread count linens that provide a smooth, luxurious feel against the skin.
The plush mattresses are specially designed with multiple comfort layers to support proper spinal alignment while offering cloud-like softness. Guests can choose from a pillow menu featuring options like:
- Hypoallergenic down alternatives
- Memory foam for neck support
- Traditional down pillows
- Body pillows (upon request)
The bedding is dressed with lightweight yet warm duvets encased in crisp white covers. Decorative accent pillows add a touch of elegance and color to complement the room’s design aesthetic.
Turndown service is available upon request, preparing the bed for optimal sleeping comfort after a day exploring Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
Italian Marble Bathrooms
The luxurious bathrooms feature imported Italian marble throughout, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. Each bathroom showcases meticulous craftsmanship with marble countertops, flooring, and shower surrounds.
The generous Shower areas feature either glass-enclosed standing showers or shower/tub combinations with adjustable pressure shower heads. Select rooms offer deep soaking tubs perfect for relaxation.
Bathroom amenities include:
- Plush oversized bath towels
- Heated towel racks in select rooms
- Lighted makeup/shaving mirrors
- Luxurious bath products
- Hairdryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
The bathrooms are designed with ample counter space and storage for personal items. Bright, flattering lighting complements the space, while maintaining the historic character that makes this hotel special.
Dining and Entertainment
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers exceptional dining options for both hotel guests and visitors seeking a memorable culinary experience. The hotel features upscale restaurants and a stylish lounge with a variety of food and beverage choices throughout the day.
On-Site Restaurant
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile houses some of the best dining options in downtown Chicago. The hotel’s strategic location makes it convenient for guests to enjoy quality meals without leaving the premises.
Room service is available for those who prefer dining in the comfort of their rooms. This service offers an extensive menu featuring American classics and international cuisine options.
Breakfast options are particularly noteworthy, with both continental and full American breakfast selections. Morning dining includes freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, and made-to-order egg dishes prepared by skilled chefs.
The restaurant spaces within the hotel blend historic charm with contemporary comfort, creating a pleasant atmosphere for all meals.
Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse
Michael Jordan’s Steak House is the crown jewel of dining at the InterContinental Chicago. This upscale establishment reflects the basketball legend’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail.
The menu features premium cuts of beef, including:
- Dry-aged steaks
- Prime filet mignon
- Wagyu beef options
- Signature 45-day dry-aged Delmonico steak
Beyond steaks, the restaurant offers fresh seafood selections and creative side dishes that complement the main courses. The wine list is extensive, featuring carefully selected bottles to pair with the robust flavors.
The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere makes it ideal for special occasions or business dinners. With attentive service and exceptional food quality, Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse provides a dining experience that matches the hotel’s prestigious reputation.
Lounge
The lounge at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile provides a sophisticated yet relaxed setting for casual meetings or unwinding after a day of exploring the city. The space features comfortable seating arrangements and stunning architectural details that reflect the hotel’s historic character.
The beverage menu includes craft cocktails, premium spirits, and a curated wine selection. Light bites and shareable plates are available throughout the day, making it a convenient option for informal dining.
In the evenings, the lounge transforms into a vibrant social hub where guests can enjoy cocktails and conversation. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between energetic and relaxing.
Weekend evenings often feature live music performances that enhance the ambiance without overwhelming conversation.
Amenities and Services
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers a comprehensive range of luxury amenities designed to enhance your stay. From fitness facilities to professional services, the hotel prioritizes guest comfort and convenience.
Fitness Center
The state-of-the-art Fitness center features modern exercise equipment for maintaining your workout routine while traveling. Located within the hotel, it provides cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment.
The center operates 24 hours daily, allowing guests to exercise at their convenience regardless of schedule. Personal training services can be arranged through the front desk with advance notice.
Hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to the fitness facilities as part of their stay. The center also offers fresh towels, water stations, and television screens to enhance your workout experience.
The space is well-maintained and regularly sanitized to ensure a clean environment for all users.
Spa
The on-site spa offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Professional therapists provide a variety of treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps tailored to individual needs.
The spa menu features specialty services using premium products for maximum relaxation and rejuvenation. Advance appointments are recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
Facilities include private treatment rooms, relaxation areas, and amenities designed for comfort. Many treatments can be customized based on preference or specific wellness goals.
Spa services may be charged separately from your room rate. Special packages combining multiple treatments offer value for those seeking a complete spa experience.
Business Center
The Business Center provides essential services for corporate travelers and those needing to stay connected. Equipped with computers, printers, and high-speed internet, it supports various business needs.
Additional services include:
- Document printing and copying
- Scanning capabilities
- Private workstations
- Technical support as needed
The center operates with extended hours to accommodate various work schedules and time zones. Meeting rooms can be reserved for small gatherings or presentations, with 34 different spaces available for events.
Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel, allowing guests to work comfortably from their rooms or public spaces if preferred.
Swimming Pool
The hotel features a historic indoor pool that stands as one of Chicago’s architectural treasures. Originally built in the 1920s, the pool maintains its vintage charm while offering modern amenities.
The swimming area includes:
- Temperature-controlled water
- Pool deck with lounge chairs
- Towel service
- Changing facilities
Access to the pool is complimentary for hotel guests. Operating hours typically run from early morning until evening, with possible seasonal adjustments.
The stunning pool area features ornate decorations and a unique atmosphere that enhances the swimming experience. Many guests consider this historic pool to be one of the hotel’s standout features.
Laundry
Convenient laundry options ensure guests maintain fresh clothing throughout their stay. The hotel offers same-day laundry service with morning pickup and evening delivery for standard requests.
Express service is available at an additional charge for urgent needs. A detailed price list for different garment types is provided in guest rooms.
Special fabric care instructions can be noted when submitting items. Environmentally friendly cleaning options are available upon request for those with specific preferences or sensitivities.
The laundry service can handle most common fabrics and garment types, though some specialty items may require special handling or external processing.
Dry Cleaning
Professional dry cleaning services complement the hotel’s laundry offerings for delicate or specialty garments. Items received before the morning cutoff time are typically returned the same evening.
The service handles:
- Business attire
- Formal wear
- Delicate fabrics
- Specialty garments
Staff members are trained to identify and properly handle various fabric types. Stain removal services are available for challenging spots or spills encountered during your travels.
Pricing is competitive with local dry cleaning establishments, with the added convenience of not leaving the property. The concierge can arrange for specialized cleaning services when needed.
Housekeeping
Daily housekeeping maintains room cleanliness and comfort throughout your stay. Standard services include bed making, bathroom cleaning, and general tidying.
Room amenities are replenished daily, including:
- Fresh towels
- Toiletries
- Complimentary bottled water
- Coffee and tea supplies
Special requests such as hypoallergenic bedding or additional amenities can be accommodated through the front desk. Evening turndown service is available upon request.
The housekeeping team follows rigorous cleaning protocols to ensure sanitary conditions. For guests preferring privacy or minimal disruption, “Do Not Disturb” preferences are strictly honored.
Exploring Chicago
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile provides an ideal base for exploring Chicago’s most iconic destinations. Guests can easily access world-class museums, stunning parks, beautiful beaches, and premier shopping districts all within walking distance or a short ride from the hotel.
Local Attractions
Chicago boasts numerous attractions that appeal to various interests. The historic indoor pool at the InterContinental offers a unique experience before venturing out to explore the city.
The Shedd Aquarium stands as one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, housing over 32,000 aquatic animals. Located in the Museum Campus, it’s approximately 3 miles from the hotel and easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.
For theater enthusiasts, the Chicago Theatre District features Broadway shows and performances year-round. The spacious theaters showcase both touring productions and local talent.
Chicago’s architecture tours provide insight into the city’s remarkable skyline. The Chicago Architecture Center offers various tours by boat, foot, or bus that highlight the city’s innovative building designs.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago ranks among the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Located in Grant Park, it houses over 300,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years of human creativity.
The museum’s impressive collection includes iconic pieces such as Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” and Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks.”
The Modern Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, provides 264,000 square feet of additional space dedicated to contemporary art. Its spacious galleries offer a bright, airy environment for viewing modern masterpieces.
Special exhibitions rotate throughout the year, bringing world-renowned collections to Chicago. The museum also features interactive family areas, making it appropriate for visitors of all ages.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier extends nearly a mile into Lake Michigan, offering entertainment options for the entire family. The iconic Centennial Wheel provides breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline and the lake.
The Chicago Children’s Museum occupies three floors within Navy Pier, featuring interactive exhibits designed for young explorers. Nearby, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents world-class performances in an intimate setting.
During summer months, Navy Pier hosts fireworks displays on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The pier’s spacious promenade allows visitors to enjoy street performers, food vendors, and lake breezes.
Seasonal events transform the pier throughout the year, from summer concerts to winter light festivals. Boat tours departing from Navy Pier provide unique perspectives of Chicago’s architectural wonders.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park represents modern Chicago with its blend of stunning architecture, public art, and green space. The park’s Crown Fountain features two 50-foot glass block towers displaying digital faces of Chicago citizens.
The iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (commonly known as “The Bean”) reflects the city skyline in its polished stainless steel surface. This Instagram-worthy spot attracts visitors year-round who come to capture their distorted reflections.
In summer, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion hosts free concerts and events in its spacious outdoor venue. The adjacent Lurie Garden spans 2.5 acres of perennial plants that change with the seasons.
During winter months, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink offers skating with a spectacular view of Michigan Avenue. The park connects to the Art Institute via the Nichols Bridgeway, creating a seamless cultural experience.
Oak Street Beach
Oak Street Beach provides an urban oasis just steps from the Magnificent Mile. The golden sand beach stretches along Lake Michigan with the dramatic cityscape as its backdrop.
Visitors can rent chairs and umbrellas to enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming. The clear blue waters of Lake Michigan offer refreshing relief during Chicago’s warm summer months.
A lakefront path connects Oak Street Beach to other lakefront beaches, making it perfect for jogging, cycling, or leisurely walks. Beach volleyball courts attract competitive players and casual groups throughout the season. The beach is easily accessible from the InterContinental Chicago, approximately a 10-minute walk north along Michigan Avenue.
Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile represents Chicago’s premier shopping district, stretching along North Michigan Avenue. This 13-block stretch houses over 460 stores, from luxury boutiques to popular retailers.
Historic buildings like the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building showcase Chicago’s architectural heritage. These landmarks stand alongside modern shopping centers that house international fashion brands.
Fine dining restaurants, casual cafes, and unique food experiences line the avenue. Visitors can sample Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza or enjoy upscale cuisine from renowned chefs.
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile occupies a prime location within this vibrant district. Guests step directly from the hotel’s bronze doors onto the Magnificent Mile, placing them at the center of Chicago’s most exciting neighborhood.
Guest Policies
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile has clear policies to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. Their guidelines cover everything from pet accommodations to flexible check-out options.
Pets Allowed
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile welcomes pets, making it ideal for travelers who can’t leave their furry friends behind. Guests can bring up to two pets per room during their stay.
There are some limitations to be aware of. The hotel typically allows pets that weigh under a certain limit, and a pet fee may apply. This fee helps cover additional cleaning services after your stay.
Service animals are exempt from pet fees as required by law. They are permitted throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms without restrictions.
For guests with allergies, the hotel maintains certain pet-free rooms upon request. It’s recommended to notify the hotel about your pet when making reservations.
Check-Out Options
Standard check-out time at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is 11:00 AM. This gives housekeeping staff adequate time to prepare rooms for incoming guests.
For added convenience, the hotel offers several check-out methods. Traditional check-out at the front desk allows guests to settle any remaining charges in person and confirm their departure.
Late Check-Out options are available upon request. These are typically subject to availability and may incur additional fees depending on how long you need to extend your stay.
Express check-out service lets guests avoid front desk lines. A final bill is delivered to your room or email automatically. Many guests appreciate this time-saving option when rushing to catch flights.
Local phone calls are complimentary for guests, making it easy to contact local businesses or arrange transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile provides extensive amenities and accommodation options for guests. The hotel features distinct dining venues, tower choices, guest services, and convenient parking solutions.
What are the dining options available at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile?
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers multiple dining options for guests. The hotel features on-site restaurants serving American cuisine with regional influences.
Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the main restaurant. There’s also a sophisticated lounge perfect for cocktails and light appetizers in the evening.
Room service is available for those preferring to dine in the privacy of their rooms. The hotel is located near Chicago’s best shopping and dining, giving guests additional food options within walking distance.
How does the InterContinental Chicago Grand Tower differ from the Executive Tower?
The InterContinental Chicago features two distinct towers with different characteristics. The Grand Tower offers historic charm with restored architectural details from the building’s 1929 origins.
The Executive Tower provides more contemporary accommodations with modern furnishings and updated amenities. Room sizes, layouts, and views vary between the two towers.
The Grand Tower typically commands higher rates due to its historical significance and unique design elements. Both towers maintain the same high-quality service standards expected of the InterContinental brand.
What amenities are included for guests staying at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile?
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile provides luxury amenities for all guests. The property features a historic indoor swimming pool with distinctive architecture and design.
A fully equipped fitness center with modern exercise equipment is available. Concierge services help arrange transportation, dining reservations, and entertainment recommendations.
Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the hotel. Business services include meeting spaces and technical support for corporate events.
What are the parking rates at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile?
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers valet parking for overnight guests. Daily rates typically range between $65-$79 per night with in-and-out privileges.
Self-parking options are available at nearby public garages at varying rates. The hotel’s downtown location is within 25 minutes’ walk from the heart of the city, making public transportation a viable alternative to parking.
Special parking packages may be available during certain times of the year or as part of promotional offers.
What are some comparable hotels to the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile?
Several luxury hotels in downtown Chicago compare to the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. The Peninsula Chicago offers similar luxury accommodations with high-end amenities and service.
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago provides comparable elegant surroundings and upscale experience. The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago features similar pricing and service standards.
The Langham Chicago offers a competitive luxury experience with modern design elements. All these properties share prime downtown locations near Michigan Avenue and major attractions.
Is the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile part of the IHG Hotels, and does it offer the same brand standards?
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is indeed part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio. As confirmed by official hotel information, it operates as “an IHG hotel.”
The property adheres to IHG’s brand standards for luxury accommodations and service quality. Guests can participate in the IHG Rewards program, earning and redeeming points during their stay.
The hotel maintains the expected level of excellence associated with InterContinental properties worldwide while incorporating unique elements reflecting Chicago’s culture and history.